2 China Coast Guard vessels exit PH EEZ

The two China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels, previously spotted near Bolinao, Pangasinan, have exited the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said on Tuesday.

In a statement, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Commodore Jay Tarriela said PCG ship BRP Cabra closely shadowed the CCG vessels with bow numbers 3301 and 3104.

“The PCG vessel, BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409), undertook a vigilant operation yesterday, closely shadowing Chinese Coast Guard vessels 3301 and 3104 until their exit from the Philippine EEZ,” he said.

Tarriela said the PCG ship issued radio challenges to the Chinese vessels to call out their absence of legal authority to patrol the area as stipulated by the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and the 2016 Arbitral Award.

As of 7 a.m., Tarriela said CCG 3301 and 3104 were located at 61 nautical miles and 81 nautical miles from Guangdong Province in China, respectively.

“The PCG remains unwavering in its commitment to uphold the nation’s maritime rights and safeguard national interests in the WPS, ensuring a vigilant approach without escalating tensions,” Tarriela said.

The two Chinese vessels were seen 34 nautical miles or 63 kilometers from shore of Bolinao, Pangasinan on Sunday—the closest approach of the CCG to the Philippine land. The next day, the vessels moved to 70 to 75 nautical miles from Luna, La Union Province.

Tensions continue as Beijing claims almost all of the South China Sea, a conduit for more than $3 trillion of annual shipborne commerce, including parts claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei.

In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines over China's claims in the South China Sea, saying that it had "no legal basis."

China refused to recognize the decision. 

—VAL, GMA Integrated News